The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded over 140 years ago by the Blessed Father Michael McGivney, the Knights uphold four key principles as pillars of the order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Father McGivney charged the Knights with two primary missions: to help widows and orphans and to oppose persecution of and discrimination against Catholics. Each fraternal year the organization performs a variety of service activities designed to advance each of these principles and missions.